Thursday, January 12, 2012
Muslim Cinema: an introduction
Muslim Cinema: an introduction
With 101 must-see Muslim-themed films
101 Must-See Muslim-themed films
101 A Mighty Heart Mariane Pearl embarks on a frantic search to locate her journalist husband, Daniel, when he goes missing in Pakistan.
100 Al-massir (Destiny) (1997) Set in 12th century Arab-ruled Spanish province Andalusia, famed philosopher Averroes is appointed grand judge by the caliph and his liberal court judgments are not liked by everyone.
99 A New Day in Old Sana’a A photographer, Tariq, must choose between his love or an arranged marriage
98 A Time for Drunken Horses After their father dies, a family of five are forced to survive on their own in a Kurdish village on the border of Iran and Iraq.
97 Jenin Jenin (doc) Documentary about the Battle for Jenin refugee camp
96 Man Push Cart A night in the life of a former Pakistani rock star who now sells coffee from his push cart on the streets of Manhattan.
95 Noorie A simple and touching story about Noorie, a girl from the valleys with a simple dream: a house, family and life filled with love - and who is forced to defend this dream at the cost of her life…
94 Occupation 101 (doc) A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. political involvement.
93 Persepolis A French animated film about a girl who comes of age in Iran during the Islamic revolution and how she sees it once she moves to Europe.
92 Prince Among Slaves The True Story of an African Prince who Survived Slavery in America.
91 Rana’s Wedding A Palestinian girl of 17 wants to get married to the man of her own choosing.
90 Sorry, Haters Against the anxieties and fears of post-9/11 America, an Arab cab driver picks up a troubled professional woman (Robin Wright Penn) with unexpected results.
89 The Band’s visit A comedy about a band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, are lost and welcomed instead in an Israeli town.
88 The Kingdom A team of U.S. government agents is sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.
87 The Road to Guantanamo A docu-drama about a trio of British Muslims who were held in Guantanamo Bay for two years until they were released without charge.
86 Three Kings In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, 4 soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.
85 Al Otro Lado This drama features three stories about the bonds between children and absent parents. One of the parents is a migrant from North Africa.
84 Ali A biography of sports legend, Muhammad Ali, from his early days to his days in the ring.
83 Arranged A Jewish and Muslim woman become friends in a Brooklyn school
82 Brick Lane A young Bangladeshi woman, Nazneem, arrives in 1980s London, leaving behind her beloved sister and home, for an arranged marriage and a new life.
81 Cape of Good Hope A Drama revolving around 3 women’s lives and how they are intertwined.
80 Daughter of Keltoum A woman travels to a Berber settlement in Algeria—to find her biological mother and in the process finds a world untouched by contemporary society.
79 Dev A story about love and hate as Muslim militancy and the police in India collide.
78 Gallipoli Two Australian sprinters face the brutal realities of war when they are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey during World War I.
77 Girdap (Whirlpool) A naive apolitical young man, who is interrupted by a fundamental religious environment, turns bitter against society. The film follows his journey.
76 Inch’Allah Dimanche The story of an immigrant woman struggling against old world traditions.
75 Journey of Hope The story of a poor Turkish family who tries to emigrate illegally to Switzerland.
74 Kite Runner After spending years in California, Amir returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to help his old friend Hassan, whose son is in trouble.
73 Maryam An Iranian-born teenager living in suburban New Jersey thinks of herself as simply an American until anti-Iranian sentiment erupts in her community after American hostages are held in Iran.
72 Partition A former Sikh soldier comes to the rescue of a traumatized Muslim girl, marries her but then has to rescue her from Pakistan.
71 Rambo III Rambo’s Vietnam commanding officer Colonel Trautman is held hostage in Afghanistan, and its up to Rambo to rescue him.
70 Silent waters A former Hindu, now Muslim widow in a village in Pakistan sees her 17 year old son being attracted to Islamist militants.
69 Takva A promotion brings a Muslim’s relationship with God into question.
68 The Dove’s Lost Necklace The second part of Nacer Khemir’s Desert Trilogy
67 The Hunting Party A journalist and cameraman go to Bosnia to find the number one war criminal
66 The Tiger and the Snow A love-struck Italian poet is stuck in Iraq at the onset of an American invasion.
65 Traitor An FBI agent heads an investigation into an international conspiracy, all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer, Samir Horn.
64 Waltz with Bashir An Animated Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memoriesof the massacres in Sabra and Chatila camps.
63 Abouna The lives of two brothers, who live in N’djamena, are upended when they awake one Saturday morning to find that their father has left the family…
62 Bombay A Hindu man and a Muslim woman fall in love in a small village and move to Mumbai, where they have two children. However, growing religious tensions and erupting riots threaten to tear the family apart.
61 Charlie Wilson’s War A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson’s covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.
60 Dil Se The clash between love and ideology is portrayed in this love story between a Hindu radio executive and a beautiful Muslim revolutionary, set in Kashmir.
59 Dirty Pretty Things An illegal Nigerian immigrant discovers the unpalatable side of London life.
58 Islam, Empire of Faith History of the Islamic Empire
57 Kandahar An Afghan-born woman from Canada takes a perilous journey through Afghanistan to try to find her sister
56 Laal Salaam Although not specifically about Muslims the film is about the “other” tribes and cultures who do not fit into mainstream India and their treatment by the authorities.
55 Lawrence of Arabia An Epic film about T.E. Lawrence and how he along with the British government and Saud family fought against the Ottoman empire
54 Leila A young couple face family pressure for the husband to take a second wife when they cannot have children.
53 Monsieur Ibrahim In Paris, a Turkish shop owner befriends a Jewish boy in his mid-teens.
52 Moolaadé When a woman shelters a group of girls from suffering female circumcision, she starts a conflict that tears her village apart.
51 Mr and Mrs Iyer A bus journey set during riots in India where a Muslim journalist is rescued by a Hindu woman who pretends to be his wife
50 Rendition An American wife searches for her Egyption husband who is kidnapped and tortured under the CIAs secret rendition program
49 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves When Robin and his Moorish companion come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham, he decides to fight back as an outlaw.
48 Taxi To the Dark Side In 2002, a cab driver picked up a few passengers near his home in Afghanistan. He never returned.
47 The Visitor A college professor comes to the rescue of an Arab-Muslim who is detained by US. Immigration
46 The Yacoubian building Based on the award-winning novel of the same name and covers a cast of characters in a building and touches upon themes of corruption, fundamentalism, prostitution, homosexuality, and drugs in central Cairo.
45 Times and Winds A coming of age story in a mountain village in northwest Turkey as seen through the eyes of three children on the verge of adolescence.
44 Turtles can fly Near the Iraqi-Turkish border on the eve of an American invasion, refugee children like 13-year-old Kak (Ebrahim), gauge and await their fate.
43 Umut (Hope) Umut is the story of an illiterate poor man and his family who when he loses his only income goes on a quest for lost treasure
42 Valley of the Wolves A Turkish action-adventure film set in northern Iraq during the American occupation. This has been a mega-hit in Turkey and Europe.
41 When we were Kings (doc) An award winning documentary of the 1974 heavyweight championship bout in Zaire between champion George Foreman and underdog challenger Muhammad Ali.
40 Yol Five Turkish prisoners are given a week’s home leave, and we see its people and its authorities interweaved through their stories
39 Al-Ghazali the Alchemist of Happiness A film about the philosopher Al-Ghazali and his parallels with our own times.
38 Bab’ Aziz The story of a blind dervish named Bab’Aziz and his spirited granddaughter, Ishtar.
37 Color of Paradise A blind boy and his father struggle to co-exist in rural Iran
36 Decoding the Past - Secrets of the Koran (doc) A wonderful documentary about the Quran which has shaped the Muslim faith and continues to influence the world.
35 Firaaq Deals with the aftermath of Gujrat riots and effects on everyday people.
34 Inside Mecca (doc) A National Geographic special following 3 Pilgrims from different parts of the world on a journey of their lifetimes.
33 Kingdom of Heaven Balian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people against Saladin
32 Le Grand Voyage A young French-Moroccan man and his old father drive from the south of France to Mecca in a conflict-ridden humorous journey
31 Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (doc) Tells the story of the Prophet of Islam not only historically but how it unfolds, into the homes, mosques and workplaces of American-Muslims
30 Pitch Black: The Chronicles of Riddick A group of marooned space travellers including an Imam struggle for survival
29 Rachida A look at terrorism in Algeria through the eyes of Rachida, a teacher in one of the school districts.
28 Ramchand Pakistani A young Hindu-Untouchable Pakistani boy and his father accidentally cross the border into India and languish in an Indian jail.
27 Salvation at 8:20 A dejected Iranian student comes under the influence of a self-righteous friend who wants to clean society of its ills in post-revolution Iran.
26 Slum Dog Millionaire A Mumbai teen is arrested under suspicion of cheating and then terrorism, in a game show while his life history shows how he was able to come up with the right answers.
25 The Battle of Algiers A film based on the bloodiest revolution in modern history, Alegria’s war of independence from the French.
24 The Clay Bird A film about religion and diversity in politically charged East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
23 The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam Kamran is a 12 year old boy in the present day who discovers that his ancestor is the 11th Century Mathematician, Astronomer, Poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam.
22 Blood and Oil (doc) The film shows how oil has been at the core of American foreign policy for more than 60 years—rendering our contemporary energy and military policies virtually indistinguishable.
21 Ceasefire This comedy, whose Persian title is Atash Bas is a fast-paced comedy about a volatile marriage of a young couple and their attempt at reforming their childish and selfish ways.
20 Dor Two young wives one Hindu and one Muslim share a common pain.
19 El Naser Salah el Dine (Saladin) A story about the Kurdish Ruler Salahadin and his defeat of the Crusaders.
18 Indigènes (Days of Glory) During WWII, four North African men enlist in the French army to liberate that country from Nazi oppression, and to fight French discrimination.
17 Mughal-e-Azam Set in the 16th century AD, the movie brings to life the tale of the doomed love affair between the Mughal Crown Prince Saleem and the beautiful, ill-fated court dancer,
16 New Muslim Cool (doc) Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Pérez ended his life as a drug dealer and started down a new path as a young Muslim. This film follows his journey.
15 The 13th Warrior The story of Ibn Fahdlan a refined Arab courtier, of the powerful Caliph of Baghdad, who encounters a band of Viking warriors on their journey to the barbaric North.
14 Fatih An animated feature about Ottoman Ruler Mehmet II, who conquered Constantinople (modern day Istanbul)
13 Bagong Buwan A film about the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao, Philippines and its effect on civilians.
12 Children of Heaven This Persian-language Academy-Award nominated film is about a poor brother and sister in Iran who have to share one pair of shoes, and the troubles her brother goes to get her a pair.
11 Dreams of Dust A Nigerian peasant comes looking for work in a dusty gold mine and seeks to redeem his past by giving all he works for to a widow and her daughter.
10 Lion of the Desert A film about Omar Mukhtar, who fought against the Italian conquering of Libya in WW II
9 My Name is Khan A film about a Muslim man whose name is Khan and his Hindu wife and how their life and relationship changes because of 9/11
8 Amreeka The story about a Palestinian mother and her son as they journey for an exciting future to America
7 Babel Tragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, touching off an interlocking story involving four different families.
6 Baran An Iranian boy falls in love with an Afghan refugee girl who has to become the breadwinner for her family.
5 Paradise Now An Oscar-nominated film about two childhood friends who are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
4 Khuda Kay Liye (In the name of God) Three interleaved stories based in the US, UK, and Pakistan and how they are impacted after 9/11
3 Syriana A politically-charged epic about the state of the oil industry in the hands of those personally involved and affected by it.
2 Malcolm X The life and times of controversial African-American civil rights leader who joined the Nation of Islam and then finally converted to Islam.
1 The Message An epic film about the Story of the life of the Prophet of Islam, his message and challenges.
100 Al-massir (Destiny) (1997) Set in 12th century Arab-ruled Spanish province Andalusia, famed philosopher Averroes is appointed grand judge by the caliph and his liberal court judgments are not liked by everyone.
99 A New Day in Old Sana’a A photographer, Tariq, must choose between his love or an arranged marriage
98 A Time for Drunken Horses After their father dies, a family of five are forced to survive on their own in a Kurdish village on the border of Iran and Iraq.
97 Jenin Jenin (doc) Documentary about the Battle for Jenin refugee camp
96 Man Push Cart A night in the life of a former Pakistani rock star who now sells coffee from his push cart on the streets of Manhattan.
95 Noorie A simple and touching story about Noorie, a girl from the valleys with a simple dream: a house, family and life filled with love - and who is forced to defend this dream at the cost of her life…
94 Occupation 101 (doc) A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. political involvement.
93 Persepolis A French animated film about a girl who comes of age in Iran during the Islamic revolution and how she sees it once she moves to Europe.
92 Prince Among Slaves The True Story of an African Prince who Survived Slavery in America.
91 Rana’s Wedding A Palestinian girl of 17 wants to get married to the man of her own choosing.
90 Sorry, Haters Against the anxieties and fears of post-9/11 America, an Arab cab driver picks up a troubled professional woman (Robin Wright Penn) with unexpected results.
89 The Band’s visit A comedy about a band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, are lost and welcomed instead in an Israeli town.
88 The Kingdom A team of U.S. government agents is sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.
87 The Road to Guantanamo A docu-drama about a trio of British Muslims who were held in Guantanamo Bay for two years until they were released without charge.
86 Three Kings In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, 4 soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help.
85 Al Otro Lado This drama features three stories about the bonds between children and absent parents. One of the parents is a migrant from North Africa.
84 Ali A biography of sports legend, Muhammad Ali, from his early days to his days in the ring.
83 Arranged A Jewish and Muslim woman become friends in a Brooklyn school
82 Brick Lane A young Bangladeshi woman, Nazneem, arrives in 1980s London, leaving behind her beloved sister and home, for an arranged marriage and a new life.
81 Cape of Good Hope A Drama revolving around 3 women’s lives and how they are intertwined.
80 Daughter of Keltoum A woman travels to a Berber settlement in Algeria—to find her biological mother and in the process finds a world untouched by contemporary society.
79 Dev A story about love and hate as Muslim militancy and the police in India collide.
78 Gallipoli Two Australian sprinters face the brutal realities of war when they are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey during World War I.
77 Girdap (Whirlpool) A naive apolitical young man, who is interrupted by a fundamental religious environment, turns bitter against society. The film follows his journey.
76 Inch’Allah Dimanche The story of an immigrant woman struggling against old world traditions.
75 Journey of Hope The story of a poor Turkish family who tries to emigrate illegally to Switzerland.
74 Kite Runner After spending years in California, Amir returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to help his old friend Hassan, whose son is in trouble.
73 Maryam An Iranian-born teenager living in suburban New Jersey thinks of herself as simply an American until anti-Iranian sentiment erupts in her community after American hostages are held in Iran.
72 Partition A former Sikh soldier comes to the rescue of a traumatized Muslim girl, marries her but then has to rescue her from Pakistan.
71 Rambo III Rambo’s Vietnam commanding officer Colonel Trautman is held hostage in Afghanistan, and its up to Rambo to rescue him.
70 Silent waters A former Hindu, now Muslim widow in a village in Pakistan sees her 17 year old son being attracted to Islamist militants.
69 Takva A promotion brings a Muslim’s relationship with God into question.
68 The Dove’s Lost Necklace The second part of Nacer Khemir’s Desert Trilogy
67 The Hunting Party A journalist and cameraman go to Bosnia to find the number one war criminal
66 The Tiger and the Snow A love-struck Italian poet is stuck in Iraq at the onset of an American invasion.
65 Traitor An FBI agent heads an investigation into an international conspiracy, all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer, Samir Horn.
64 Waltz with Bashir An Animated Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memoriesof the massacres in Sabra and Chatila camps.
63 Abouna The lives of two brothers, who live in N’djamena, are upended when they awake one Saturday morning to find that their father has left the family…
62 Bombay A Hindu man and a Muslim woman fall in love in a small village and move to Mumbai, where they have two children. However, growing religious tensions and erupting riots threaten to tear the family apart.
61 Charlie Wilson’s War A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson’s covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.
60 Dil Se The clash between love and ideology is portrayed in this love story between a Hindu radio executive and a beautiful Muslim revolutionary, set in Kashmir.
59 Dirty Pretty Things An illegal Nigerian immigrant discovers the unpalatable side of London life.
58 Islam, Empire of Faith History of the Islamic Empire
57 Kandahar An Afghan-born woman from Canada takes a perilous journey through Afghanistan to try to find her sister
56 Laal Salaam Although not specifically about Muslims the film is about the “other” tribes and cultures who do not fit into mainstream India and their treatment by the authorities.
55 Lawrence of Arabia An Epic film about T.E. Lawrence and how he along with the British government and Saud family fought against the Ottoman empire
54 Leila A young couple face family pressure for the husband to take a second wife when they cannot have children.
53 Monsieur Ibrahim In Paris, a Turkish shop owner befriends a Jewish boy in his mid-teens.
52 Moolaadé When a woman shelters a group of girls from suffering female circumcision, she starts a conflict that tears her village apart.
51 Mr and Mrs Iyer A bus journey set during riots in India where a Muslim journalist is rescued by a Hindu woman who pretends to be his wife
50 Rendition An American wife searches for her Egyption husband who is kidnapped and tortured under the CIAs secret rendition program
49 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves When Robin and his Moorish companion come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham, he decides to fight back as an outlaw.
48 Taxi To the Dark Side In 2002, a cab driver picked up a few passengers near his home in Afghanistan. He never returned.
47 The Visitor A college professor comes to the rescue of an Arab-Muslim who is detained by US. Immigration
46 The Yacoubian building Based on the award-winning novel of the same name and covers a cast of characters in a building and touches upon themes of corruption, fundamentalism, prostitution, homosexuality, and drugs in central Cairo.
45 Times and Winds A coming of age story in a mountain village in northwest Turkey as seen through the eyes of three children on the verge of adolescence.
44 Turtles can fly Near the Iraqi-Turkish border on the eve of an American invasion, refugee children like 13-year-old Kak (Ebrahim), gauge and await their fate.
43 Umut (Hope) Umut is the story of an illiterate poor man and his family who when he loses his only income goes on a quest for lost treasure
42 Valley of the Wolves A Turkish action-adventure film set in northern Iraq during the American occupation. This has been a mega-hit in Turkey and Europe.
41 When we were Kings (doc) An award winning documentary of the 1974 heavyweight championship bout in Zaire between champion George Foreman and underdog challenger Muhammad Ali.
40 Yol Five Turkish prisoners are given a week’s home leave, and we see its people and its authorities interweaved through their stories
39 Al-Ghazali the Alchemist of Happiness A film about the philosopher Al-Ghazali and his parallels with our own times.
38 Bab’ Aziz The story of a blind dervish named Bab’Aziz and his spirited granddaughter, Ishtar.
37 Color of Paradise A blind boy and his father struggle to co-exist in rural Iran
36 Decoding the Past - Secrets of the Koran (doc) A wonderful documentary about the Quran which has shaped the Muslim faith and continues to influence the world.
35 Firaaq Deals with the aftermath of Gujrat riots and effects on everyday people.
34 Inside Mecca (doc) A National Geographic special following 3 Pilgrims from different parts of the world on a journey of their lifetimes.
33 Kingdom of Heaven Balian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people against Saladin
32 Le Grand Voyage A young French-Moroccan man and his old father drive from the south of France to Mecca in a conflict-ridden humorous journey
31 Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (doc) Tells the story of the Prophet of Islam not only historically but how it unfolds, into the homes, mosques and workplaces of American-Muslims
30 Pitch Black: The Chronicles of Riddick A group of marooned space travellers including an Imam struggle for survival
29 Rachida A look at terrorism in Algeria through the eyes of Rachida, a teacher in one of the school districts.
28 Ramchand Pakistani A young Hindu-Untouchable Pakistani boy and his father accidentally cross the border into India and languish in an Indian jail.
27 Salvation at 8:20 A dejected Iranian student comes under the influence of a self-righteous friend who wants to clean society of its ills in post-revolution Iran.
26 Slum Dog Millionaire A Mumbai teen is arrested under suspicion of cheating and then terrorism, in a game show while his life history shows how he was able to come up with the right answers.
25 The Battle of Algiers A film based on the bloodiest revolution in modern history, Alegria’s war of independence from the French.
24 The Clay Bird A film about religion and diversity in politically charged East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
23 The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam Kamran is a 12 year old boy in the present day who discovers that his ancestor is the 11th Century Mathematician, Astronomer, Poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam.
22 Blood and Oil (doc) The film shows how oil has been at the core of American foreign policy for more than 60 years—rendering our contemporary energy and military policies virtually indistinguishable.
21 Ceasefire This comedy, whose Persian title is Atash Bas is a fast-paced comedy about a volatile marriage of a young couple and their attempt at reforming their childish and selfish ways.
20 Dor Two young wives one Hindu and one Muslim share a common pain.
19 El Naser Salah el Dine (Saladin) A story about the Kurdish Ruler Salahadin and his defeat of the Crusaders.
18 Indigènes (Days of Glory) During WWII, four North African men enlist in the French army to liberate that country from Nazi oppression, and to fight French discrimination.
17 Mughal-e-Azam Set in the 16th century AD, the movie brings to life the tale of the doomed love affair between the Mughal Crown Prince Saleem and the beautiful, ill-fated court dancer,
16 New Muslim Cool (doc) Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Pérez ended his life as a drug dealer and started down a new path as a young Muslim. This film follows his journey.
15 The 13th Warrior The story of Ibn Fahdlan a refined Arab courtier, of the powerful Caliph of Baghdad, who encounters a band of Viking warriors on their journey to the barbaric North.
14 Fatih An animated feature about Ottoman Ruler Mehmet II, who conquered Constantinople (modern day Istanbul)
13 Bagong Buwan A film about the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao, Philippines and its effect on civilians.
12 Children of Heaven This Persian-language Academy-Award nominated film is about a poor brother and sister in Iran who have to share one pair of shoes, and the troubles her brother goes to get her a pair.
11 Dreams of Dust A Nigerian peasant comes looking for work in a dusty gold mine and seeks to redeem his past by giving all he works for to a widow and her daughter.
10 Lion of the Desert A film about Omar Mukhtar, who fought against the Italian conquering of Libya in WW II
9 My Name is Khan A film about a Muslim man whose name is Khan and his Hindu wife and how their life and relationship changes because of 9/11
8 Amreeka The story about a Palestinian mother and her son as they journey for an exciting future to America
7 Babel Tragedy strikes a married couple on vacation in the Moroccan desert, touching off an interlocking story involving four different families.
6 Baran An Iranian boy falls in love with an Afghan refugee girl who has to become the breadwinner for her family.
5 Paradise Now An Oscar-nominated film about two childhood friends who are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
4 Khuda Kay Liye (In the name of God) Three interleaved stories based in the US, UK, and Pakistan and how they are impacted after 9/11
3 Syriana A politically-charged epic about the state of the oil industry in the hands of those personally involved and affected by it.
2 Malcolm X The life and times of controversial African-American civil rights leader who joined the Nation of Islam and then finally converted to Islam.
1 The Message An epic film about the Story of the life of the Prophet of Islam, his message and challenges.
References and Bibliography
Busch, Annett and Annas, Max: Ousmane Sembene Interviews
Chadha, Kalyani and Kavoori, Anandam: Global Bollywood
Chaudhuri,Shohini: Contemporary world cinema : Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and South Asia
Dönmez-Colin, Gönül: Women, Islam and cinema
Dönmez-Colin, Gönül: Turkish cinema: identity, distance and belonging
Films produced by country source: www.screenaustralia.gov.au
Kabir, Alamgir: The Cinema in Pakistan
Karriker, Alexandra-Heidi: Film studies: women in contemporary world cinema
Qumsiyeh, Mazin B.: 100 Years of Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim stereotyping
Sadoul, George: The Cinema in the Arab countries
Shafik, Viola: Arab cinema: history and cultural identity
Sheehan, Jack, Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, 2001
Vick, Tom: Asian cinema : a field guide
Ward, Lucy. From Aladdin to Lost Ark, Muslims get angry at ‘bad guy’ Film images, Guardian, January 25, 2007
Chadha, Kalyani and Kavoori, Anandam: Global Bollywood
Chaudhuri,Shohini: Contemporary world cinema : Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and South Asia
Dönmez-Colin, Gönül: Women, Islam and cinema
Dönmez-Colin, Gönül: Turkish cinema: identity, distance and belonging
Films produced by country source: www.screenaustralia.gov.au
Kabir, Alamgir: The Cinema in Pakistan
Karriker, Alexandra-Heidi: Film studies: women in contemporary world cinema
Qumsiyeh, Mazin B.: 100 Years of Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim stereotyping
Sadoul, George: The Cinema in the Arab countries
Shafik, Viola: Arab cinema: history and cultural identity
Sheehan, Jack, Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, 2001
Vick, Tom: Asian cinema : a field guide
Ward, Lucy. From Aladdin to Lost Ark, Muslims get angry at ‘bad guy’ Film images, Guardian, January 25, 2007
Dubai tops halal-friendly shopping destinations
Dubai has been ranked the most halal-friendly shopping destination in the world
- By Muby Asger, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 12, 2012
Dubai: Dubai has been ranked the most halal-friendly shopping destination in the world by Crescentrating, a Singapore-based pioneer in the halal-friendly travel segment.
The top 10 halal-friendly shopping destinations for 2012 were based on surveys and traveller feedback. "All the polls that we did always came up with the same results for the top two destinations: Dubai, followed by Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia]," says Fazal Bahardeen, CEO and founder of Crescentrating, who hopes to sustain it annually.
"From the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival to the busy markets of Hong Kong, the destinations selected provide a variety of experiences for shoppers," says Bahardeen.
Selection process
It took the company three months of polling and surveying to come up with results accurately representing the world, not just Arab nations or Muslim countries. "The selected cities were chosen on a five-point basis," explains Bahardeen. "The top priority was that the city had to offer an amazingly varied shopping experience — from malls to markets and souqs. Second, it was important to note the availability of halal food in those malls, markets, souqs and shopping districts. The third criterion was availability of prayer facilities in malls and shopping districts. The fourth criterion was availability of a family-friendly environment. And last, it was important for each of the selected cities to have halal-friendly hotels that do not serve pork or alcohol...," says the CEO.
The DSF also adds to Dubai's charm. "It's the annual DSF that adds to the charm of the emirate," says Bahardeen. "DSF provides a variety of shopping experiences ranging from upmarket malls to designer boutiques, street stores, souqs and even night markets. Very few cities in the world can compare shopping experiences to Dubai."
Top 10 cities
- Dubai,
- Kuala Lumpur,
- Istanbul,
- Singapore,
- Bangkok,
- Delhi,
- Johannesburg,
- Bali,
- London
- and Hong Kong
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND THE ARAB ISLAMISTS
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND THE ARAB ISLAMISTS
Posted by Philip Seib
All posts by Philip Seib
Posted by Philip Seib
All posts by Philip Seib
For years, Hosni Mubarak and other Arab leaders relied on a straightforward mantra: “It’s me or the Islamists.” American presidents and other Western leaders shuddered at the word “Islamists” and embraced their thuggish allies. What could be worse than Islamists?
U.S. public diplomacy followed that pattern. Over the years, there was some splendid rhetoric from Condoleezza Rice, Barack Obama, and a few others, but the “public” at which public diplomacy was aimed was always carefully limited to exclude the Islamist community.
Now that the events of 2011 have turned Arab politics upside down, U.S. policymakers are facing what they hate most: irrelevance. Those who were so long ignored by American public diplomacy are finally gaining power, as evidenced by the successes of the Ennhada Party in Tunisia, which won 40 percent of the vote in that country’s first free elections, and the Freedom and Justice Party, organized by the Muslim Brotherhood, in Egypt which will be the dominant force in Egypt’s new parliament. In Morocco, Libya, and elsewhere, once marginalized Islamists also find themselves in the mainstream.
Those designing U.S. public diplomacy must quickly recalibrate their work to better reach the newly empowered and assertive mass publics. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair John Kerry got it right when he recently met with leaders of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and said, “You’re certainly going to have to figure out how to deal with democratic governments that don’t espouse every policy or value you have.” He added, “The United States needs to deal with the new reality.”
Finally, some common sense. For the United States to refuse to work with Islamists would mean having no clout within the transformed Arab world. The diplomatic imperative is clear: accept the results of democratic elections and build new relationships.
Those in the policy community who continue to flirt with the Egyptian military and other remnants of the ancient regime cling to the idea that money will prevail over all else – that U.S. aid will prove so alluring that Arab states will conform to American interests as they have done in the past. That outlook fails to account for Qatar and some other Gulf states, which are displacing Saudi Arabia as the region’s go-to sources for economic support. Qatar proved it was ready to step up when it provided substantial financial and technical assistance to Libya’s rebels, and with its vast resources it could replace funding from Western sources not sympathetic to the new political trends in the Middle East.
U.S. public diplomacy has come a long way since the months after the 2001 attacks. The earliest public diplomacy efforts depicted Muslims in America as being very happy, which was irrelevant to Muslims elsewhere in the world. Focus gradually shifted to more useful projects, such as helping Arab entrepreneurs reshape their countries’ antiquated economies. The next step, given the rise of Islamist political power, will be to better incorporate a respectful understanding of Islam in the design of public diplomacy programs.
This can be a difficult business, particularly because the “Islamists” finding political success in Egypt and elsewhere range from younger members of the Muslim Brotherhood who see the value of developing a broad popular base, including women, to the hard-core Salafis whose literalist approach to the Quran would lead to a restrictive political sphere in which women and those not in line with their standards would be excluded.
A key element of U.S. public diplomacy is the reflection of American political values in outreach efforts. These values are not antithetical to the tenets of Islam, and so that is where public diplomacy programs should focus. Those designing cultural, educational, and business-related ventures should themselves be familiar with the Quran and other elements of Islam and should involve clerical and lay Muslims in the project creation process. This will help avoid the accidental cultural clashes that can be interpreted as purposeful assertion of anti-Islamic policy.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has suggested that U.S. embassies include a religion diplomacy officer whose expertise would include the ability to navigate these difficult routes toward policy development. Embassies in the Arab world would be the perfect places to try out this idea.
The Islamists who were once viewed as adversaries by American policymakers are now in the mainstream of Arab politics. In Egypt and other Arab states, their efforts are helping to stabilize emerging democracies. U.S. public diplomacy needs to catch up with this new reality.
U.S. public diplomacy followed that pattern. Over the years, there was some splendid rhetoric from Condoleezza Rice, Barack Obama, and a few others, but the “public” at which public diplomacy was aimed was always carefully limited to exclude the Islamist community.
Now that the events of 2011 have turned Arab politics upside down, U.S. policymakers are facing what they hate most: irrelevance. Those who were so long ignored by American public diplomacy are finally gaining power, as evidenced by the successes of the Ennhada Party in Tunisia, which won 40 percent of the vote in that country’s first free elections, and the Freedom and Justice Party, organized by the Muslim Brotherhood, in Egypt which will be the dominant force in Egypt’s new parliament. In Morocco, Libya, and elsewhere, once marginalized Islamists also find themselves in the mainstream.
Those designing U.S. public diplomacy must quickly recalibrate their work to better reach the newly empowered and assertive mass publics. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair John Kerry got it right when he recently met with leaders of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and said, “You’re certainly going to have to figure out how to deal with democratic governments that don’t espouse every policy or value you have.” He added, “The United States needs to deal with the new reality.”
Finally, some common sense. For the United States to refuse to work with Islamists would mean having no clout within the transformed Arab world. The diplomatic imperative is clear: accept the results of democratic elections and build new relationships.
Those in the policy community who continue to flirt with the Egyptian military and other remnants of the ancient regime cling to the idea that money will prevail over all else – that U.S. aid will prove so alluring that Arab states will conform to American interests as they have done in the past. That outlook fails to account for Qatar and some other Gulf states, which are displacing Saudi Arabia as the region’s go-to sources for economic support. Qatar proved it was ready to step up when it provided substantial financial and technical assistance to Libya’s rebels, and with its vast resources it could replace funding from Western sources not sympathetic to the new political trends in the Middle East.
U.S. public diplomacy has come a long way since the months after the 2001 attacks. The earliest public diplomacy efforts depicted Muslims in America as being very happy, which was irrelevant to Muslims elsewhere in the world. Focus gradually shifted to more useful projects, such as helping Arab entrepreneurs reshape their countries’ antiquated economies. The next step, given the rise of Islamist political power, will be to better incorporate a respectful understanding of Islam in the design of public diplomacy programs.
This can be a difficult business, particularly because the “Islamists” finding political success in Egypt and elsewhere range from younger members of the Muslim Brotherhood who see the value of developing a broad popular base, including women, to the hard-core Salafis whose literalist approach to the Quran would lead to a restrictive political sphere in which women and those not in line with their standards would be excluded.
A key element of U.S. public diplomacy is the reflection of American political values in outreach efforts. These values are not antithetical to the tenets of Islam, and so that is where public diplomacy programs should focus. Those designing cultural, educational, and business-related ventures should themselves be familiar with the Quran and other elements of Islam and should involve clerical and lay Muslims in the project creation process. This will help avoid the accidental cultural clashes that can be interpreted as purposeful assertion of anti-Islamic policy.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has suggested that U.S. embassies include a religion diplomacy officer whose expertise would include the ability to navigate these difficult routes toward policy development. Embassies in the Arab world would be the perfect places to try out this idea.
The Islamists who were once viewed as adversaries by American policymakers are now in the mainstream of Arab politics. In Egypt and other Arab states, their efforts are helping to stabilize emerging democracies. U.S. public diplomacy needs to catch up with this new reality.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
If there is a religion that addresses every minute need within man, it can be none other than Islam! One of the most significant yet misunderstood Islamic concepts is the role of entertainment towards reaching the desired spiritual harmony and perfection.
Islam not only permits entertainment, it in fact recommends it! Imam Ali (peace be upon him) says in Nahjul Balagha: "The believer's time has three periods: the period when he is in communion with Allah, the period when he manages for his livelihood, and the period when he is free to enjoy what is lawful and pleasant. And the last part is a tonic and refreshing for the other parts."
Islam not only permits entertainment, it in fact recommends it! Imam Ali (peace be upon him) says in Nahjul Balagha: "The believer's time has three periods: the period when he is in communion with Allah, the period when he manages for his livelihood, and the period when he is free to enjoy what is lawful and pleasant. And the last part is a tonic and refreshing for the other parts."
Every day of a believer's life must have some sort of lawful entertainment. Why has Islam given so much weight to entertainment? A man once came to Imam Ali and said that he has molded his nature in such a way that he does not feel the need for lawful pleasures in life. The Imam replied to him: "For now you do not know. Satan flows in man like bloodstream; you won't even realize when he attacks you." Even the best of pious or religious people lose interest in religion and become astray if they don't reserve a break for entertainment.
Involvement in legal pleasures is an outlet for man's natural instincts, and serves as a balance between the soul and body. Our Nafs (carnal self) can be compared to a pressure cooker which will explode if its steam is not allowed to escape. Every person needs a break from his/her daily regular routine, and if this break is not taken in form of entertainment, then our Nafs revolts. The need for entertainment is more significant in young children. Islam advises parents to explain entertainment guidelines for their children based on the present time. Parents cannot expect their children to have fun in the same manner in which they themselves had in their childhood. Imam Ali has advised parents, "Do not force your children to behave like you, for surely they have been created for a time which is different to your time." Restrictions should be made based on Islamic laws and not on cultural habits.
In selecting the appropriate source of entertainment, we should always keep in mind that it is something that will help our mind and body relax, not something that might be physically, spiritually, or emotionally destructive for us.
So, is it next to impossible to find good lawful entertainment? Not quite. Playing sports can be fun! In fact, it is highly recommended in Islam that a father should teach his son swimming, archery, and horse-riding. It is well-known that gambling, music, and wine are forbidden in Islam, but there are many other diversions or alternatives to these. Except chess and cards, most games are permitted in Islam. Music that is suitable for corrupt gatherings is forbidden, but who doesn't love a sweet melodious voice? Prophet Dawood had a melodious voice, and it is said that people in Paradise will hear him only. So the alternatives are Islamic poetry, like Nasheeds, Qasidas, etc. However, one has to make sure that the type of poetry they choose is not Ghina, and does not contain Haram music. (Please consult your respective Religious Authority for jurisprudential clarification in this matter.) Fine arts can be fun, like, painting, drawing, poetry, but not sculpturing!
You can watch movies or read books that do not have indecent words or images and do not have a misleading message. It should be emphasized here that a drama, movie, or story that is permissible for one person might be forbidden for the other, depending on the mental maturity of the person.
(Did we miss anything? Feel free to share your own suggestions in the Comments below!)
It's very important that we entertain ourselves by following Islamic guidelines. We should try to be flexible and innovative in choosing activities. An intelligent person maintains a well balanced life.
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